Douglas Fir
Pseudotsuga menziesii • Engineered
Grain Pattern
Rotary-cut veneer with prominent cathedral patterns and wild, swirling grain typical of plywood construction. Visible latewood bands are dark and dense.
Color Description
Light brown to reddish-brown heartwood with paler yellowish sapwood. Shows significant darkening/reddening with age and UV exposure. Flat luster.
Hardness Rating
660 lbf (Soft)
Durability Rating
Moderately Durable; heartwood is somewhat resistant to decay but susceptible to insect attack. This sample shows surface checking and weathering.
Common Uses
Structural plywood, subflooring, exterior siding, roof decking, and general construction framing.
Geographic Origin
Western North America (Pacific Northwest)
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$1.50 - $3.00 per square foot (as CDX or ACX grade plywood)
Wood Age Estimate
Estimated 10-20 years; significant oxidation and surface checking (fine cracks) indicate environmental exposure and loss of moisture.
Sustainability Status
Highly sustainable; widely available, not CITES listed, and frequently FSC certified.
Workability
Easy to work with power tools; prone to splintering and 'shelling' of the hard latewood layers. Glues and finishes well but can be blotchy.
Notable Features
Distinctive resinous scent when cut. High strength-to-weight ratio for a softwood. Notable for high contrast between earlywood and latewood rings.
Finish Recommendations
Exterior-grade stain or high-quality oil-based primer and paint to protect against further checking and UV degradation.
Identification Confidence
High; the wide, rotary-peeled grain pattern and color contrast are diagnostic of Douglas Fir construction-grade plywood.